Mid West leaders disappointed in State & Federal govts over telecommunications snub

Leaders in the Mid West are disappointed the region has been overlooked for initial mobile coverage upgrades, following State and Federal government funding announcements. Earlier this week, the State and Federal Government announced $16 million of additional funding to the Commonwealth’s Regional Roads Australia Mobile Program, which in WA will see mobile coverage improvements to Albany Highway and Great Eastern Highway as part of the pilot program. According to the Federal Government, outcomes from the initial program will be used towards a rollout of the technology across the country in regional areas. Shadow regional communications minister Colin de Grussa said the Mid West had been snubbed by the announcement. “While investment in regional telecommunications is welcome, Mid West communities will rightly feel overlooked, with the latest funding package focusing on Albany Highway and the Wheatbelt,” he said. “Mobile blackspots and frequent disruptions, even in major centres like Geraldton, are leaving Mid West residents vulnerable.” Mr de Grussa said reliable telecommunications services were a necessity in today’s world. “Whether it’s emergency alerts, education, business, or simply staying connected with family, reliable telecommunications are critical,” he said. “Yet many regional WA communities are being left behind with what can only be described as third-world telecommunications services, and this situation is unacceptable.” The Mid West has had telecommunications issues this year — there was a 24-hour Telstra outage in the Geraldton CBD in July, and Dongara was without a signal for a week in June. Residents earlier this year also expressed concerns at the regional telecommunications review, including mobile blackspots on major roads like Brand Highway and Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road. Mr de Grussa said the Nationals were able to produce $120 million through Royalties for Regions to fund more than 400 mobile towers in regional WA and called for the State Government to step in to support the regions. Federal member for Durack Melissa Price said many areas in the Mid West needed attention. “These known blackspots in the Mid West require urgent attention, especially considering their remoteness and the crucial need for emergency services to have reliable communication,” she said. “I am disappointed that we have missed out on this round . . . and can only hope that we will be included in future rounds. “It is common knowledge however, that the State and Federal Labor governments will always focus on more urban areas, rather than the needs of regional WA.” Meanwhile, City of Greater Geraldton deputy mayor Natasha Colliver said it was frustrating and disappointing to hear the area wasn’t selected for the pilot program “despite the appalling connection issues faced by our community”. “The city will continue to advocate to both the State and Federal governments for better mobile coverage outcomes for our region,” she said. However, Regional Development Minister Don Punch said the State Government recognised the Mid West and Gascoyne regions and their importance, and would be looking to improve the network in the future. “The WA Government recommended the pilot program locations based on the Commonwealth’s investment criterion,” he said. “Our Government . . . will continue to work with the Commonwealth Government and industry on co-investment opportunities to improve digital connectivity in regional and remote WA.” Mr Punch said the State Government has invested $26.2m in the Mid West and Gascoyne under the Regional Telecommunications Project, funding 99 mobile towers with ongoing investment for new sites.